The 54th Massachusetts Infantry

The 54th Massachusetts Infantry was the second infantry composed solely of African American troops. Originally formed in early 1863(March 13th to be exact), the 54th Massachusetts infantry was a group with unprecedented courageousness on the battlefield. Before January 1st, 1863, African Americans were barred from participating in wars as they were deemed unfit for fighting. It was only after the Emancipation Proclamation that they were able to serve and fight for their own freedom in the Civil War. The infantry was first organized by Massachusetts governor John A. Andrew, who in light of the Emancipation Proclamation, advocated for black soldiers to fight in the war. With around 1000 troops from across the North and Caribbean, the Infantry was run by 25-year-old Robert Gould Shaw.

Their most famous battle was the Battle of Fort Wagner, in which the 54th Massachusetts Infantry played a crucial part in the capture of the Confederate Fort Wagner. Organized by Robert Gould Shaw, the Infantry was the first wave to storm the fort, which leads to the death of Shaw and 600 of his troops. The courageous actions of the 54th Massachusetts infantry lead to greater support of African American troops and significantly changed America’s view on African American Soldiers.

However, despite the admirable fighting of African Americans, troops were subjected to enslavement or death if they were captured by Confederates, versus the usual punishment of imprisonment that would occur for their white counterparts. Black soldiers would also make $10 a week while white soldiers would make $13 until congress passed a bill that allowed for equal pay amongst both races. These discrepancies in pay and punishment were largely due to the fact that racism still existed in both the Union and Confederacy, and although the actions of Black soldiers in groups like the 54th Massachusetts were undeniably courageous, the were still discounted due to their race.



Sources:


https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/assault-of-battery-wagner-and-death-of-robert-gould-shaw


https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/black-civil-war-soldiers#section_3


https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/the-54th-massachusetts-infantry


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/54th_Massachusetts_Infantry_Regiment